5 Placemats for Every Dining Style

Options abound with these pretty woven placemats from Serena & Lily. Start by picking a shape—round, rectangular or square—then choose between a navy or natural scalloped edge. Handwoven out of abaca, these beautiful mats are a worthy investment for your dining space.

The fork goes where? These personalized placemats from Etsy will help your little ones learn how to set the table. Choose between two cute color options.

For a modern touch, look no further than West Elm’s block-printed placemats. Each four-pack is made by displaced artisans in India and is Fair Trade certified. Choose from four colorways—carmine, cerulean, starlight and spruce.

Mastering the boho look? You can’t go wrong with this 4-pack of pastel placemats. Available on Amazon, these round beauties add a fresh vibe to any table. We love that each mat has its own color and pattern, too.

Reminiscent of the bold patterns and colors of the ’60s and ’70s, these brilliant orange floral placemats add a mid-century modern touch to your table. “These placemats would be really cute with some colored dinnerware,” Stacey says. Pick them up from Society6 in a set of two or four.

FAQs

What is the purpose of a placemat?

Placemats are used to protect tables from stains and spills while eating or drinking a meal. They can also offer a decorative element to your dining table, especially when paired with silverware, napkins and centerpieces.

What are the rules for placemats?

Traditionally, placemats are placed directly on the table instead of on top of a tablecloth.

Are there stain-resistant placemats?

Yes! Vinyl, cross weave and faux leather placemats can all be stain-resistant.

Which material is best for placemats?

It depends on whether you’re prioritizing style or ease of cleaning. Some of the most popular placemat materials include cotton, canvas or linen. However, vinyl placements (or those encased in a vinyl lining) are easiest to wipe stains off.